How to explore Tuscany on day trips from Florence
Tuscany in Italy offers a wealth of attractions, all easily accessible as day trips from Florence. The region boasts stunning Tuscan landscapes, from rugged mountains to rolling green hills, marshes, and wetlands. Whether you are after breathtaking scenery, vineyards and wine tasting, decorative cypresses, or picturesque olive orchards and olive oil tasting at one of the rustic farms, you will find it in Tuscany.

Moreover, the region is rich in fascinating history, from ancient Roman and medieval culture to the influence of powerful Italian families like the Medici dynasty.

Being based in Florence, you can easily plan one or more day trips to enticing places around Tuscany. Below, see our suggestions for 5 awesome day trips from Florence to charming small towns in the Tuscany region.

As you arrive in the small municipality of Montecatini Terme — nestled on the southern edge of the Apennine Range in the province of Pistoia, northern Tuscany — you will find yourself in a charming spa town steeped in history. Named after its famous thermal springs, Montecatini Terme has drawn visitors for centuries, thanks to the reputed healing properties of its waters.

Travelling between cities in Tuscany is easy, and getting from Florence to Montecatini Terme by train is really convenient. Frequent trains, departing approximately every 30 minutes, run from Firenze Santa Maria Novella station.

After purchasing your ticket in the ticket machine in Florence, you will hop on the train towards Viareggio in western Tuscany – and just 50 minutes later, you will arrive in Montecatini Terme. As there are two stations in Montecatini, be sure to get off at the Montecatini Centro Station, which is closer to the town center than Montecatini Terme–Monsummano Station.

Alternatively, you can take a bus from Florence for your day trip. Check out the Busradar timetable and fares for the busradar.

In many Tuscan shops you will find the enticing bottles of Limoncello alongside other local specialities. | Photo: Travel In Culture

Visit one of the thermal baths of Terme Excelsior, Terme Tettuccio, Terme Regina or Terme Redi. The water in the thermal baths comes from the earth’s depths of limestone, clay and jasper and has long been known to have treating effects. Even today, the therapeutic properties of the waters are widely recognised. The thermal baths draw both Italians and international visitors to this charming Tuscan town, which, in addition to its healing waters, boasts stunning architecture surrounding its fountains.

Day trips from Florence: Montecatini Terme | Photo: Travel In Culture

Treat yourself to a spa experience at one of the termes. To be a spa guest here is to enjoy a moment of physical and mental relaxation in a 33-degree centigrade (91 degrees Fahrenheit) hot bath. Allow yourself to get a hydroponic therapy massage, inhalation therapy or a thermal mud treatment. Moreover, you will find yourself amid amazing architectural heritage from Montecatini’s first heyday at the beginning of the last century.

Explore the stunning Italian architecture in the area, including the Teatro Verdi, built in 1829 and renovated in 1981, and the Padiglioncino Tamerici, a striking example of Art Nouveau design from 1902.

Be sure to check out the Walk of Fame along Viale Giuseppe Verdi, where you’ll find the names of famous individuals who have visited Montecatini Terme over the years.

Indulge in shopping at Montecatini’s designer stores, which are filled with iconic brands along the streets surrounding Piazza del Popolo. Step into the local shops, where you’ll find a wide range of tempting products from Tuscany, and savour the specialities from the small villages and farms of the Florentine region. Whether you choose Tuscan wine, regional olive oil, olive wood kitchen utensils, or Italian biscuits and cakes, the selection is vast!

Take the small funicular up to Montecatini Alto above Montecatini Terme | Photo: Travel In Culture

Take the charming funicular from Montecatini Terme up to Montecatini Alto, perched at the top of the hill. It is a spectacularly steep ride through the mountainous landscape, offering breathtaking views of Montecatini and its surrounding plain, olive orchards, and the occasional fruit tree. For even better views, you can stand at the back of the cable car!

Montecatini Alto is home to an ancient fortress, Borgo Montecatini Alto, which dates back to medieval times and boasts a strategic location high above the surrounding marshlands. The remains of the fortress walls still encircle the old village and its churches. A few of the original 25 towers are still standing, including the clock tower.

Read more: The Thermal Hotspot Montecatini in Italy

Instead of making it a day trip from Florence, you may consider staying in a hotel here.

Likely founded by the Etruscans, Lucca is an ancient city in northern Tuscany, just west of Florence. Rich in Roman and medieval history, it stands out as one of Tuscany’s most captivating towns—a true hidden gem worth exploring. It is known as the city of a hundred churches due to the large number of religious buildings and is the birthplace of the composer Giacomo Puccini. You can’t see everything in Lucca in just one day — but with a bit of planning, a Tuscany day trip from Florence is enough to get a rich taste of what this remarkable walled town has to offer. Strolling through Lucca feels like walking through centuries of Tuscan history, with its elegant churches, soaring towers, and timeless charm.

Lucca absolutely deserves a spot on your list of day trips from Florence — don’t overlook this enchanting, historic town. If you continue by train from Montecatini towards Viareggio, you will arrive in Lucca in under half an hour. From Florence, the journey to Lucca takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes — provided you catch a direct train with no changes. Once you arrive at Lucca Station, it’s an easy walk to the old town, nestled within the city’s massive stone walls.

If you prefer, taking a bus from Florence to Lucca is also a convenient option for a day trip View timetable and fares for the busradar.com

Enjoy a cup of coffee or a leisurely lunch at the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, a vibrant and scenic spot in the heart of Lucca | Photo: Travel In Culture

Walk or bike along Lucca’s remarkably preserved medieval walls — a unique 4 km (2.5 mile) path that circles the entire old town. The panoramic views from the wall offer a unique perspective of Lucca, making it a beloved spot for a leisurely Sunday stroll.

The town walls rise 12 meters (40 feet) high, reaching up to 30 meters (100 feet) at their thickest points, at the impressive town gates. You can enter the old town through the gates or fascinating wall tunnels. Constructed by Flemish engineers between 1504 and 1645, these sturdy walls were designed to protect the citizens of Lucca. During the 19th century, Napoleon’s sister, Maria Luigia of Bourbon, turned the fortifications into a public garden.

Step inside the Duomo in Piazza San Martino, a stunning example of Lucca’s rich architectural heritage. The Cathedral, originally begun in the 11th century, was later redesigned in the Gothic style during the 14th century Renaissance. It boasts stunning architecture, including a half-finished bell tower (the campanile) and a striking marble façade in shades of white, red, and green. Each column on the façade is unique, reflecting the diverse contributions from an architectural competition held centuries ago. The Cathedral has a beautiful inside and keeps in the nave a small shrine with the Holy Face of Lucca, the most precious relic in Lucca, in Italian: the Volto Santo di Lucca. It is a true gem that you won’t want to miss — be sure to set aside time to visit!

Photo: Travel In Culture

Once a Roman amphitheatre, the elliptical square is still encircled by original medieval buildings in shades of yellow, cream, and orange, with charming green shutters. It was once the site of brutal gladiator games and lively spectacles.

Later, the square was fortified, and the arch openings were closed, making it less accessible. It also served various purposes over the years, including as a powder magazine, a salt warehouse, and more.

Today, the square buzzes with life, featuring a variety of cafés and restaurants with inviting outdoor seating. As the heart of Lucca, it is a must-see during your visit. Relax and soak in the atmosphere from one of the charming cafés or eateries.

A highlight of Lucca is the San Michele in Foro, located at Piazza San Michele. This Roman basilica, which dates back to before 800, takes its name from the market square — ‘in Foro’ meaning ‘in the market.’ The first church was built over the site of the ancient Roman forum, and the current structure was begun in the 11th century.

Today, the church showcases a blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles. Its façade is adorned with intricate sculptures, blind arcades, and a variety of unique columns. At the very top stands the statue of St. Michael, the Archangel.

San Michele in Foro | Photo: Travel In Culture

One of the most unique landmarks in Lucca is the Torre Guinigi, towering above the surrounding buildings. While Lucca is home to numerous towers, this one stands out with its distinctive rooftop garden, featuring a charming oak tree. At 45 metres (148 feet), its height allows it to stand out above the surrounding rooftops. It is one of the original medieval towers that once belonged to private families and has been preserved to this day. The Guinigi family began constructing family towers in the 14th century, and today, a street in Lucca is named in their honour – the Via Guinigi.

If you visit Lucca at the right time of year, you might have the chance to experience the summer festival in July or the Lucca Comics & Games in autumn (usually held in October or November). It is a major cosplaying event where people dress up as their favourite comic characters, and cartoons seemingly come to life in the charming medieval setting.

Instead of just a day trip from Florence, consider staying a little longer in this charming Tuscan spot by booking a hotel.

Il Duomo, the Cathedral, is the black-and-white icon of Siena. According to legend, black and white have always been the city’s colours, symbolising the black and white horses of Siena’s two founders, Senius and Aschius.

As the founders of Siena, Senius and Aschius are central to a legend that ties their story to the mythology of Rome’s foundation. They are said to be the sons of Remus, one of the famed twin brothers who founded Rome. As a result, Siena’s emblem features the iconic wolf that suckled the two brothers. A statue of the wolf stands proudly on a column in front of the Cathedral.

The sloping Piazza del Campo is a favourite spot to soak in the atmosphere | Photo: Travel In Culture

Siena is easily accessible from Florence for a day trip in Tuscany. You can reach Siena from Firenze Santa Maria Novella by train in just 1 hour and 30 minutes. The walk to Piazza del Campo takes about 20-25 minutes from the train station, or you can hop on a city bus for a quicker ride.

Alternatively, the day trip from Florence to Siena can be done by bus. In Florence, buses depart from the terminal, Via Santa Caterina da Siena, near the Firenze Santa Maria Novella train station. Depending on whether you take a Rapida or Ordinaria bus, the journey will take between 1 hour 15 minutes and 1 hour 30 minutes.

Piazza del Campo is the heart of Siena, a world-famous medieval square dating back to before the 13th century. It is set on sloping ground at the meeting point of three hillside communities. Originally a marketplace, the square was designed with a fishbone-patterned red brick layout, interrupted by eight lines of travertine that divide the shell-shaped piazza into nine sections. Each section represents one of The Nine (Governo dei Nove), the group that ruled Siena during medieval times.

Additionally, the piazza, flanked by the beautiful Palazzo Pubblico, is the venue for the biannual Palio di Siena. During this thrilling event, riders and horses compete in a spectacular race, completing three laps around the earth-filled square. The race is a major crowd-puller, attracting people from near and far. Ten horses and jockeys, riding bareback, represent ten of Siena’s city wards, symbolising the fierce competition between them.

Photo: Travel In Culture

At the side of the Piazza del Campo, you will find Fonte Gaia, inaugurated in 1346. There was great satisfaction that fresh water was conveyed to the piazza. As a result, the fountain was named ‘Gaia’ (meaning joyful). The fountain was created in a style that blends Gothic and Renaissance elements. It was later adorned with reliefs by the local sculptor Jacopo della Quercia (1374-1438).

The Sienese have always admired it as a masterpiece of rare beauty. However, the original work by Jacopo della Quercia is now on display at the old Ospedale di Santa Maria della Scala. Still, people continue to flock to see the beautiful fountain in the heart of Siena.

Day trips from Florence: Siena | Photo: Travel In Culture

Wander through the narrow streets and uncover fascinating details from the city’s medieval past. There is a reason Siena is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Few places in Italy offer such a unique blend of medieval charm and treasures as Siena. At every street corner, you will catch another glimpse of an authentic picture-postcard setting. Siena is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Tuscany, making it well worth a day trip from Florence.

Make your way to the Duomo, completed in 1264, with its distinctive black-and-white campanile – the iconic colours of Siena. This cathedral is a construction of paramount importance to the city. The facade is an Italian Gothic masterpiece by Giovanni Pisano. The Cathedral is built from red, green, and white marble inlay, creating a stunning visual. Overlooking the square in front of the Cathedral, the mythic she-wolf statue stands as a symbol of Siena.

The Piccolomini Library, which houses 15th-century musical manuscripts, is adorned with impressive frescoes on the walls and a ceiling painted by Pinturicchio at the beginning of the 16th century. Additionally, the Baptistery and the Crypt are both worth a visit.

If you have time, be sure to visit the Duomo Museum, which houses phenomenal cathedral art.

The Torre del Mangia, located in Siena’s Piazza del Campo next to the town hall, Palazzo Pubblico, is the tallest tower in Tuscany, standing at 102 meters (335 feet). Built between 1338 and 1348, the Torre del Mangia was one of the tallest secular towers in Italy at the time. Its height matched that of Siena Cathedral, symbolising the equal power of the church and the state. After climbing the 400 steps, you’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of Siena from the top!

The Basilica Cateriniana di San Domenico rises majestically over the city of Siena | Photo: Travel In Culture

The fascinating Basilica Cateriniana di San Domenico majestically rises majestically over the city of Siena. True to its design, the impressive basilica can be seen from many vantage points throughout the town. The Cateriniana di San Domenico was begun between 1226 and 1265, later being remodeled in the 14th century to take on its distinctive Gothic appearance. Shaped like an Egyptian cross, it was originally built for the Merchant Orders.

The bell tower next to the church also has its own history. In 1798, its height was reduced following an earthquake.

Instead of making it just a day trip from Florence, you might consider booking a hotel in Siena for a couple of days to fully explore the city and the surrounding Tuscan countryside.

From the walled town of San Gimignano, 14 medieval towers rise towards the sky. They were raised by prominent families to show their wealth and position in society. The town obtained status as independent in 1199. Merchants and noble families competed to build the tallest tower houses in San Gimignano. However, the Bishop and Town Council had to enforce a law restricting the height of the towers. No tower could exceed the Town Hall tower in height.

San Gimignano has always been conveniently located along the pilgrim trail, Via Francigena, to Rome. Therefore, a plethora of pilgrims came to the small hillside community. San Gimignano was a thriving place for many years – until the plague arrived in 1348 and drastically reduced the population. It weakened the small town and its economy – and eventually, after 1353, it came under Florentine control.

Photo: Travel In Culture

Be sure to consider San Gimignano in Tuscany for one of your day trips from Florence. There is a direct train connection from Firenze Santa Maria Novella to Poggibonsi-San Gimignano, which takes slightly more than an hour if you catch the connection without any changes. You can take the bus or a taxi from the station to San Gimignano.

Alternatively, you could consider taking a bus for your day trip to San Gimignano. You can travel from Florence to San Gimignano by taking a bus from the Florence bus station (next to the train station on Via Santa Caterina da Siena) to Poggibonsi, where you’ll need to transfer to another bus for the final leg of the journey to San Gimignano. Be sure to check the schedule in advance to confirm the route. The advantage of taking the bus is that you only need one ticket, rather than separate tickets for the train and the bus.

Explore the walled city at your own pace with a self-guided walking tour. It is unique with preserved medieval urban structures of streets, squares, fountains, palaces and a collection of towers against the horizon. Since 1990, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover the two central squares: Piazza del Duomo, which features three towers directly on the square, and Piazza della Cisterna. The latter is a beautiful triangular plaza featuring an ancient octagonal well — the origin of the name ‘Cisterna’ — and is surrounded by towers such as the Tower of the Pellari Palace and the Ardinghelli Tower, also known as the Devil’s Tower.

Absorb the medieval ambience as you explore the local shops, where you’ll find Vernaccia di San Gimignano white wine (unique to the town), olive oil, leather goods, olive wood bowls, and other artisanal products. You will likely come across a Tuscan restaurant or two, where you can enjoy local specialities like truffles or wild boar for lunch or dinner.

Visit the Pinacoteca inside the Town Hall, which is part of the Civic Museum (together with Palazzo Comunale and Torre Grossa). It showcases masterpieces from the artistic history of San Gimignano, ranging from the Florentine style and Sienese period to Renaissance works.

The Town Hall is a fascinating and beautiful building dating from the late 13th century.

Torre Grossa is the tallest tower in San Gimignano, standing at 54 metres (177 feet) and dating from around 1300. It stands in the Piazza del Duomo, next to the Town Hall. From the top, you will enjoy the most spectacular views of the surrounding Elsa Valley and the landscape.

Torre dei Cugnanesi is also centrally located just behind the Piazza della Cisterna at the intersection of Via di San Giovanni and Via del Quercecchio. It is one of the tallest towers in San Gimignano, dating from the 13th century. Along with the impressive Palazzo Cugnanesi, it served a defensive purpose and was part of the old gate, the Becci Arch. In this respect, it differs slightly from the other towers in the town.

No visit to San Gimignano without visiting the Duomo with three naves and outstanding artwork. The Cathedral, also known as the Duomo or Basilica Collegiata di Santa Maria Assunta, dates from 1148 and features magnificent frescoes in the Florentine style. It was remodelled into its present form in the 13th century. As seen in the Duomo in Siena, the interior is decorated with alternating black and white marble, the colours of Siena. Gold, red, and white also feature in the decoration of the arches.

Try the world champion ice cream at Gelateria Dondoli | Photo: Travel In Culture

You will need to stop at Gelateria Dondoli, home to a master gelato maker and award-winning world champion in gelato! Don’t limit yourself to the usual flavours — try something as exotic as ‘cream with saffron and pine nuts’, ‘pink grapefruit and sparkling wine’, or one of the other delicious options. Everything is homemade, and be prepared for a long queue! Sit by the historic well and savour your treat.

Instead of planning it as just one of several day trips from Florence to Tuscany, why not stay in a hotel here to make the most of your time in San Gimignano?

Volterra is an ancient Etruscan town, possibly the first Etruscan metropolis, situated at the heart of Tuscany on a naturally fortified hilltop. It holds great historical significance, with medieval, Medicean, and Grand-Ducal heritage, and is undoubtedly one of the most intriguing and beautiful towns in Tuscany today. Volterra remains surprisingly free of the hordes of tourists that flock to nearby San Gimignano.

The easiest way to travel from Florence to Volterra is by car, and if you are not already driving, renting a car is the best option for a day trip. You will pass through an incredibly scenic hillside landscape on your way to this Etruscan hilltop town, known for its medieval military architecture and Roman heritage.

Alternatively, you can take a bus from Florence to Volterra for your day trip. View the timetable.

From the hilltop village of Volterra, you can enjoy a fabulous view of the surrounding landscape. | Photo: Travel In Culture

Enjoy the stunning views from the 7 km (4.5 miles) long and unapproachable fortification walls of the valleys of Era and Cecina. From the peak, you can enjoy a scenic view of the surrounding landscape, and with a bit of luck, you might even catch a surprising glimpse of the Mediterranean on the horizon.

Enter the ancient town through the other side of the enclosure. The Etruscan gate at Via Porta all’Arco is arguably the most significant historical site in Volterra, marking the entrance to the town through its old town wall. The Roman arch is steeped in history, surrounded by medieval remains and featuring three sculpted heads — mainly lion heads — dating back to the 4th or 3rd centuries BC.

Photo: Travel In Culture

Continue to the Piazza dei Priori, home to the town hall (Palazzo dei Priori) built in 1208. It is the oldest civic building in Tuscany and likely served as a model for the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence. The building was the residence of the presiding priors until the Medici conquered Volterra in 1472. You can even climb the Palazzo’s tower for a magnificent view of the town.

Right behind the Palazzo dei Priori, you will find the Duomo, the delightful Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. It is a 12th-century Romanesque church, characterised by a beautiful portal, an impressive rose window, and intriguing interior decorations. The Cathedral was rebuilt in 1117 after an earthquake that destroyed large parts of Volterra.

Just in front of the Cathedral, you will notice the fine octagonal Baptistery of San Giovanni, a 13th-century landmark in Volterra.

The ingenious Etruscans produced decorative works of art, exploiting the abundant natural mineral resources in the area. They used the alabaster to make sarcophagi and cinerary urns to bury their dead.

Today, craftsmen continue to showcase their creativity with minerals, producing a wide range of alabaster products sold in local shops. Pop into the small shops to find an alabaster souvenir, along with olive wood items, Tuscan wine, and truffles. You might even visit an artist in their studio to witness the creation process, such as at the alabaster workshop ‘The Alab’Arte’ on Via Orti Sant’Agostino.

Medieval street in Volterra | Photo: Travel In Culture

(closes earlier in winter, check the hours)

As a true gem, Volterra boasts an outstanding museum: the Etruscan Guarnacci Museum. It houses a magnificent collection of tombs, urns, and alabaster sarcophagi discovered in Volterra from the Etruscan era. One of the burial traditions involved placing the ashes in a cinerary urn inside a sarcophagus. The museum showcases remarkable examples of these tombs and sarcophagi on the ground floor.

The museum is a brilliant way to gain an insight into ancient Etruscan life!

(closes early in winter. Check the hours)

A fine Roman theatre, dating from the first century AD, can be accessed via Porta San Francesco. You will find 19 tiers of seating ingeniously built into the hillside, along with an orchestra pit. Additionally, two stories supported by marble columns still stand.

(Only open during weekends in winter)

Volterra has many traces from the early Etruscan settlements and the later Roman rule. From the 9th century BC, Etruscan settlements dominated the area. An authentic Etruscan acropolis lies within the Enrico Fiumi Archaeological Park. Excavations of the acropolis began in 1926, revealing baths, a cistern, a plumbing system, and two temples with a podium and colonnade.

Instead of making the trip to Volterra just one of your day trips from Florence, you could opt to stay longer and book a hotel here.

Read more about day trips from Florence in Tuscany: 3 Tuscan Towns in a day and Lucca – Tuscany’s picture-postcard medieval town

Also, check out our Best Things to Do in Florence in 3 Days guide!

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